Perfectly explained!!! I’m 71 and first saw “The Music Man” in Los Angeles at the old Golden Gate Theater in East LA in 1962. I was 9. I couldn’t count how many times I’ve seen it. I still watch it when I can and love it so dearly it’s a great film and says so much just like you said! I’m very grateful as a former student at UCLA I met Meredith Wilson went afternoon. God is autograph and he held court with all of his students backstage after a Harold Lloyd, silent film retrospective, and it was marvelous! I met Robert Preston on two occasions backstage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. When he was with Mary Martin starring in “I do! I do!” And once again years later during “Mack & Mabel!” He was a great talent and a wonderful man!! Thanks for your time!
When I took film studies classes, I latched onto that idea of diegetic sound and, especially, music, as a really interesting concept. I tried to explain to my mom that many musical songs are not diegetic, but she thought that ruined the magic. I love a lot of musicals, but I never thought the characters were *actually* supposed to be singing except when it's diegetic like your examples in The Music Man.
Great analysis and interpretation! This was the first show I was ever in as an actor. At San Diego Junior Theater with Don and Bonnie Ward. This musical will always hold a special place in my heart because of that.
I saw Robert Preston in the touring company. He was amazing. Merideth Wilson told the studio no one else could be in the movie when they wanted Frank Sinatra
IDK if Robert Preston knew this fact or not, he did research for his roles, so maybe he did. Qhen Harold Hill is selling a cornet for Mrs. O'Reilly, he mentioned that O'Clark and O' Mendez were two trumpet players. Rafael Mendez is a world renouned trumpeter. His father had a band and Rafael began playing trumpet at five years old. His father's band was captured and held hostage by Pancho Villa. When Pancho set them free, Rafael stayed with Pancho for another year because he liked it. Robert in an interview said his favorite role was a flop that was about Pancho Villa. I wonder if he knew the connection.
Perfectly explained!!! I’m 71 and first saw “The Music Man” in Los Angeles at the old Golden Gate Theater in East LA in 1962. I was 9. I couldn’t count how many times I’ve seen it. I still watch it when I can and love it so dearly it’s a great film and says so much just like you said! I’m very grateful as a former student at UCLA I met Meredith Wilson went afternoon. God is autograph and he held court with all of his students backstage after a Harold Lloyd, silent film retrospective, and it was marvelous! I met Robert Preston on two occasions backstage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. When he was with Mary Martin starring in “I do! I do!” And once again years later during “Mack & Mabel!” He was a great talent and a wonderful man!! Thanks for your time!
Finally, a good video essay that seriously looks into the themes and construction of a musical film- can’t wait to see more!
Hey, thanks! Really appreciate that. I look forward to making more.
The way you explained it and the way I watched "The Music Man" harmonize. Well done!
"I always think there's a band, kid" is the most important line in the entire show. It's the entire key to Harold's character.
I disagree, when he tells marcelus,”I’ve worked my way up the ranks and I’m not leaving till I get my commission.”
Ooh, I noticed 'Rock Island', but I never really linked that to the other semi-diegetic songs. Good catch!
great review! I rewatched this the other day and thought omg there's so much more to this show than I remember!
When I took film studies classes, I latched onto that idea of diegetic sound and, especially, music, as a really interesting concept. I tried to explain to my mom that many musical songs are not diegetic, but she thought that ruined the magic. I love a lot of musicals, but I never thought the characters were *actually* supposed to be singing except when it's diegetic like your examples in The Music Man.
Thank you for that! I really enjoyed your excellent analysis of The Music Man (one of my fave musicals), and look forward to many more videos.
Great analysis and interpretation! This was the first show I was ever in as an actor. At San Diego Junior Theater with Don and Bonnie Ward. This musical will always hold a special place in my heart because of that.
This is great! Thanks!
Well done. Looking forward to more.
Really good take!
This was really good !! I'd love to watch more :)
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Very insightful review. One comment. If you look at the film again, ask yourself who is Winthrop's mother. It gives the film a very interesting spin.
I saw Robert Preston in the touring company. He was amazing. Merideth Wilson told the studio no one else could be in the movie when they wanted Frank Sinatra
IDK if Robert Preston knew this fact or not, he did research for his roles, so maybe he did. Qhen Harold Hill is selling a cornet for Mrs. O'Reilly, he mentioned that O'Clark and O' Mendez were two trumpet players. Rafael Mendez is a world renouned trumpeter. His father had a band and Rafael began playing trumpet at five years old. His father's band was captured and held hostage by Pancho Villa. When Pancho set them free, Rafael stayed with Pancho for another year because he liked it. Robert in an interview said his favorite role was a flop that was about Pancho Villa. I wonder if he knew the connection.
I never noticed the fact that the songs are partially diagetic. thats very interesting
Nice:)
Thanks!